Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog
In the sweltering Florida temps of summer, community pools are great for staying cool, getting some exercise, socializing with your friends and neighbors, and a source of fun for the entire family. However, like any place where a large body of water is involved, community pools also come with their share of risks.
What Are Common Causes of Community Pool Accidents?
- Slip and falls – Pool decks are usually wet making them slippery. It is imperative to walk when on the pool deck, not run and non-slip footwear is a great choice to minimize your chances of slipping and falling. The pool deck should also be properly maintained to clear any hazards that could cause an injury to guests.
- Drowning and near-drowning accidents – Drownings are a leading cause of accidental deaths, especially among young children. It is vital to keep an eye on your children when at the pool, as even a near-drowning injury can result in long-term health issues.
- Diving injuries – Swimmers should be educated to avoid diving into shallow areas as doing so could result in traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) or spinal cord injuries.
- Poor pool maintenance – Routine inspections should be conducted at community pools to identify and address any potential hazards. This includes monitoring pool ladders, diving boards, stairs, grills, and other equipment and areas that could lead to unnecessary injuries.
- Untrained lifeguards – Lifeguards should be observant, properly trained in first aid, CPR, and emergency response, and adequately staffed to monitor all parts of the pool. Pool staff/lifeguards should also regularly test and balance pool chemicals to prevent infections and chemical burns. One of the main jobs of lifeguards is to ensure that any rough play that could lead to injuries is stopped. For example, if a group of kids are running around the pool deck, lifeguards should address the dangerous behavior.
Who Is Responsible for Public Pool Injuries?
Pool owners may be held accountable for injuries to guests under premises liability laws, which mandate that property owners be accountable for injuries that result from hazardous conditions on their premises. Pool owners and operators are legally obligated to ensure their patrons’ safety. This includes pool maintenance, competent supervision, and identifying and fixing any potential hazards.
When it comes to establishing liability, it must be shown that the negligent party did not exercise the reasonable care that was required of them and that the injury was directly caused by this negligence.
Liability for public pool injuries is determined by considering the facts surrounding the incident, the roles and obligations of the individuals involved, and applicable laws and regulations. If you or someone you know is injured at a public pool, it is important to seek legal advice to understand your rights and potential avenues for compensation.
What Should You Do if You Have Been Injured at a Community Pool?
Following a swimming pool mishap, follow these steps for everyone’s safety:
- Remove the injured individual from the water.
- Call 911.
- Provide basic first aid.
- Collect evidence while you wait for assistance. This includes taking pictures of the area where the accident occurred as well as gathering the names of any witnesses.
- Ensure that everyone who was hurt receives medical care.
- Follow your doctor’s orders.
- Call Whittel & Melton at 866-608-5529 to discuss your injuries and learn about your legal options.
Our Florida Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can help you establish liability and ensure that responsible parties are held accountable for their negligence. Call us today at 866-608-5529 or contact us online to schedule a FREE consultation. We are available 24/7 and we always return phone calls.